Health Library

It’s that time of year again. Your eyes itch, your nose is runny, you sneeze constantly and your head is congested—all-too-familiar symptoms for the estimated 18.6 million Americans who suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever. But when you’re used to coping with miserable symptoms from spring through fall, how do you know when you’re really sick? Call your doctor any time your symptoms worsen, your medication no longer provides relief or you develop new symptoms such as a rash or wheezing. Key warning signs that your symptoms are not from your allergies include fever, body aches, yellow or green nasal discharge and malaise.

Use the chart below to see whether your ah-choo is from allergies…or something else.

Area of Discomfort

It may be an allergy if you experience…

It may not be an allergy if you experience…

It could be…

Nose

sneezing, sinus congestion, clear nasal discharge

heavier symptoms in the spring and fall, which suggest sensitivity to outdoor allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen

year-round symptoms that may also include cough, headache or facial pain, which suggest sensitivity to indoor allergens like dust mites, mold and pet dander